Dawn Patrol

Iraq

A Little Manly Essay [Dadmanly - in Iraq]
Little Manly (aged nine, 3rd grade) was asked to write an essay for the school?s annual Flag Day Essay Contest, and this is what he wrote...
"...So until now the flag has gotten more stars but nothin? else but hardship and war and peace."

The Non-Issue of Armor, Garry Trudeau [A Day In Iraq]
Some of you may have seen Garry Trudeau?s comic strip a couple of weeks ago. Its focus was on our supposed lack of armored vehicles. I?m a little late in commenting on this, but unlike Mr. Trudeau, I?m actually over here in Iraq working.

'This is Your War' - Updates On R2A [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho]
Good news for those of you that are really feeling blue about the end of R2A's blog This Is Your War.

Bunker-Busting Marines [Andi's World]
U.S. Marines have uncovered "an elaborate series of underground bunkers used recently by insurgents in western Iraq". It would appear that the terrorists have been living pretty comfortably underground. All the comforts of home awaited them as they rested between attacks.

Things to remember when I get home [From my Position... on the Way! - in Iraq]

I have to drive with my lights on at night

Shooting cars to get their attention is also frowned upon

Warning shots are almost never appropriate

[BTW: Above site also has the best milblog disclaimer seen to date: These are my own poorly arranged thoughts. They usually come to me during periods of sleep deprivation and stress. They do not reflect the official or unofficial policies of any government agency. I refuse to acknowledge them as my own. This site has quite possibly been hacked, and therefore I am unable to be held responsible for anything that may (or may not) appear here. So There. I'm going back to putting on my aluminum foil helmet to block the mind control beams.

Photos from the Front

More BW extractions [The Siegrist Blogs - Afghanistan]
These photos were taken by CW3 James D., He and Niel T were on a mission the other day to pull out troops they had put in a few days prior.

What is being done in our name [Riding Sun]
The photos I picked don't tell the whole story of what's going on in Iraq. But they do tell part of it. And it's a part that bears keeping in mind the next time America's military is smeared by the mainstream media.

Special Section: The Jerky Wars

The Beef Jerky Nazi: Under Attack [The National Guard Experience - Afghanistan]
After thorough research with third party sources, this photo of Mustang23 has recently surfaced on the internet. I'm not sure who that heckler is on the right (probably Smash), but this is the only known picture. Yes, they they were, yoking it up, brainstorming some other hairbrain scheme.

Picture of Me? [Mustang23 - Iraq]
I have been outed. The "Beef Jerky Nazi" has dug up a picture of me. Since it is on the internet it must be true. :) While I am not quite sure the resemblance, I figure we could use it for this week?s Caption Contest

On Beef Jerky and Blogging [The Silent Republican]
The Jerky War has begun. I suggested earlier to Mustang23 that an alliance for the pormotion of Beef Jerky and the annoying of JP. That alliance is called Bloggers For Beef Jerky. It has now been formed and it appears as if the Beef Jerky Nazi is trying to retaliate. I dunno, but this may get pretty hairy. Grab your helmets everyone and hit the deck.

The Fight Begins [Bloggers For Beef Jerky]
The "Beef Jerky Nazi" has thrown his hat into the ring and now it is time to put up or shut up. He has even gone as far as Publishing a Reference

Other Military Issues

Interesting News [Argghhh!]
Remember the Reservists courts-martialed for cannibalizing vehicles in Iraq?

Army Keeping Problem Soldiers to Keep Troop Levels Up [Outside the Beltway]
The Army has raised the barriers for commanders seeking to oust problem soldiers in an effort to deal with lower enlistment rates.

US lowers standards in army numbers crisis [Jack Army - Army recruiter]
OK, I saw this on the Fox News Channel's crawl and have been dredging the web since trying to find it...:

The US military has stopped battalion commanders from dismissing new recruits for drug abuse, alcohol, poor fitness and pregnancy in an attempt to halt the rising attrition rate in an army under growing strain as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Military Tops Public Confidence List in New Gallup Poll [Jack Army - Army recruiter]
The American public has more confidence in the military than in any other institution, according to a Gallup poll released this week.

Seventy-four percent of those surveyed in Gallup's 2005 confidence poll said they have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in the military - more than in a full range of other government, religious, economic, medical, business and news organizations...

So, if the military is held in such high esteem, why won't people join?

Heritage

Battle of Midway Anniversary: 03-06 JUN [CDR Salamander]
The Battle of Midway looms large in any Navy professional's mind. So much has been written, and if you have not looked at it in detail, go here and review.

Midway Anniversary Tribute [John in Carolina]
In June 1942, Japanese and American forces fought an epic battle at Midway, the name of a pair of mid-Pacific islands whose combined size totaled two square miles. But one of the islands was just large enough for an airfield and a small harbor, where submarines could rearm and refuel. Thus, Midway's strategic importance to both sides.

Hire a Veteran

EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Rusten Currie [Euphoric Reality]
Rusten is an Army intelligence officer and military blogger, currently deployed to Iraq. He?s running for the 2006 House of Representatives spot in the 35th District of California... And so, without further ado, here?s my interview with Rusten Currie, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. I report, you choose.

Blogging Connectivity [Sgt Mom]
So, instead of taking my time and having a monetary cushion for a couple of months, I am moving into top gear and hunting for new employment starting now. The blogosphere is where my connections are, and where I can ask for leads and references: I am looking for either an office manager, or executive administrator position in the San Antonio area. I am detail-oriented, accustomed to making decisions, multi-task expertly, and deal very well with clients, service providers and other staff. I write well, organize efficiently, and have all the usual computer and office skills. If you know of anything, or know someone who might know anything, please let me know. My resume is available, upon request.